NFL Playoff Picture Tightens as Colts and Steelers Face Challenges

The Indianapolis Colts, after a strong 7-1 start, now find themselves in a precarious position with an 8-4 record and facing potential playoff elimination. According to Pro Football Talk, a recent 1-3 slide raises concerns that the Colts could become the first team since the AFL-NFL merger to start 7-1 or better and miss the playoffs, despite the expanded playoff format.

Their upcoming schedule poses significant challenges, including a crucial matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, where the Colts haven't won since 2014, followed by games against the Seahawks, 49ers, and Texans.

Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers are also struggling, with their offense unable to establish a deep passing game, which has been detrimental to their performance as noted by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

With a 6-6 record, the Steelers face a critical game against the Baltimore Ravens, where the stakes are equally high, as both teams are vying for playoff positioning. As both the Colts and Steelers navigate these tough matchups, their playoff hopes hang in the balance, with each game carrying enormous weight for their respective seasons.